Overview
Group: Working Group
AKC Breed Popularity Rank: No. 17 of 195
Height: 12-13 inches
Weight: 13-18 lbs
Life Span: 12-15 years
Temperament: Gentle; Loving; Graceful
Among the dog breeds, the Doberman Pinscher is easily recognizable for its sleek, compact body and powerful, intimidating aura. No wonder that the Doberman is recognized as a fearless police and guard dog.
History
The Doberman Pinscher was developed in 19th century Germany to serve as a guard dog for a tax collector.
Louis Dobermann was a taxman and dog breeder from the town of Apolda, Germany. Since he was constantly being harassed by hostile townspeople whenever he went out to collect taxes, he decided to breed an imposing dog that will protect him while he worked.
The Pinscher that Dobermann developed then was larger in size, resulting from the crossing of Black and Tan Terriers, Rottweiler, German Pinscher, and smooth-coated herding dogs. The resulting breed was named “Doberman” (after the taxman but minus one “n”). In the years that followed, breeders refined the Doberman Pinscher to the dog that we know today.
Dobermans have achieved worldwide renown as excellent police and military dogs. They have also served as service and therapy dogs for disabled persons, as well as in search-and-rescue missions.
The U.S. Marine Corps Dobermans of the Pacific – also known as the “Devil Dogs” – fought alongside soldiers during World War II. Dobermans have also appeared in several Hollywood films and TV series, such as The Doberman Gang and in the James Bond film, Moonraker.
General Appearance
The Doberman Pinscher is sleek, compact, medium-sized dog of pure muscle, speed, and power. Elegant and noble in appearance, it carries itself with alertness, fearlessness, and keen intelligence as evidenced by its sharp almond-shaped eyes and the proud carriage of its head and neck, and its erect ears.
It has a smooth-haired coat with short, hard, and thick furs that lies closely to the skin. While Dobermans are commonly seen in black and blue colors, other coat colors include fawn, red, and blue with rust markings and/or a small white patch on its chest.
Dobermans are intelligent, alert, watchful, energetic, obedient, and loyal dogs. While most people expect these dogs to be vicious or aggressive, these tendencies are rarely found in well-trained Dobermans. In fact, some of these trained and well-adjusted dogs have been found to be mischievous, and even goofy, by their owners.
Nutrition
Dobermans are best fed with high quality dog foods that are tasty and easily digested. The best dog food contains protein sources, like beef, lamb, or chicken, with a smaller percentage of whole grains. It is important that you consult with your veterinarian or local breeder on what dog foods to give to your Doberman that is appropriate to their age and activity level. Give treats in moderation to prevent obesity.
Maintaining the Doberman’s shiny coat is easy by giving them fatty acid supplements, such as safflower or flaxseed oil.
Grooming
Because of their short coats, Dobermans are very easy to groom. It is sufficient to do a quick brushing of their coats using a grooming mitt or soft-bristled brush. There is no need to bathe them regularly, except for when it gets very dirty. Nails should be trimmed once a month. Its teeth should also be brushed regularly.
Its erect ears make it prone to wax build up and infection. Make sure to wipe its ears two to three times a week with some baby oil on a paper towel.
Exercise
Dobermans need a lot of exercise and free play in order to release energy. There is a tendency for these dogs to become irritable or aggressive if they are not exercised. The American Kennel Club recommends more than two hours of exercise daily. Have your dog accompany you on long walks/jogs or hikes. You can also let them play in a large, fenced backyard. Just make sure that you watch over them.
If dog facilities are available, you can have them participate in canine sports like obedience, agility, and tracking.
Training
Because of their keen intelligence, Dobermans are quick to train, respond to owner’s commands readily, and can be fun, playful companions, even to children. It must be emphasized that training is very important if you want to have a well-adjusted, well-mannered dog. Socialization and obedience training are a must, especially when your dog is still a puppy, so it can get used to people, places, and situations in and around the home.
To strengthen the bond between the Doberman and its owner/s, they should live inside the house and not outdoors.
Health
Responsible breeders make sure that their Doberman puppies are healthy. However, these dogs are prone to bloat, so owners are.
Costs
The average price of a Doberman puppy is $1,100. However, if you are looking for pups from championship lines, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $9,000. The upkeep of Dobermans is the same as other dogs, at $2,000 for the first year and $1,000 for the next years.
Despite their intimidating appearance, Doberman Pinschers are intelligent dogs to whom you may entrust the safety and well-being of your family.
SOURCES:
1) Doberman Pinscher https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/doberman-pinscher/
2) Introduction to the U.S. Marine Corps’ War Dogs https://www.k9history.com/WWII-uscm-devil-dogs.htm
3) How to Feed a Doberman Pinscher https://www.petcarerx.com/article/how-to-feed-a-doberman-pinscher/502
4) Doberman https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/dog-breeds/doberman
5) Doberman Information Guide https://www.borrowmydoggy.com/doggypedia/guide-to-dog-breeds/doberman-information-guide
6) Doberman Pinscher Puppies for Sale https://www.nextdaypets.com/Doberman-Pinscher.htm
